Economics, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Technology, Transport

Press photo.

The Economy Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with Taxify and Uber, which will highlight a new level of dialogue regarding the growing demand for such services and their place in the Latvian economy.

It is planned that the signed memorandum will serve as a foundation for including ride-sharing services in Latvia's transportation services market.

Aseradens admitted that sharing economics is a growing economic trend all over the world, and Latvia is not an exception.

''A new ride-sharing service sphere is being formed in Latvia, which is basically an innovative business service. For it to be effectively and legally included in Latvia's national economy, a dialogue must be launched on including it in the current economic model,'' the minister emphasized.

According to Aseradens, the necessary legislation could be prepared sometime during the second half of the year.

The head of the ride-sharing service Uber in the Baltics Enn Metsar told members of the press today that it is hard to predict when the company will be able to enter the Latvian market.

He said when the legislation in Latvia is in place for ride-sharing services to operate in the country, Uber would like to begin operations here.

Metsar informed that Uber representatives have met with government minister and business organizations, and that they have been accommodation, however, the necessary legislation and regulations must first be in place for Uber to enter the Latvian market.

''We have analyzed the Latvian market and we see that there is great interest in ride-sharing services, however, I cannot predict when Uber will be able to enter the Latvian market,'' he said.